2023-09-17 05:20:00
Title: ‘Doctor Teerawat’ Emphasizes the Importance of a Healthy Brain in Aiding Aging Process
Subtitle: Suggestions on How to Maintain Sharp Mental Health Alongside a Fit Body
Date: Sunday 17 September 2023, 10.20 a.m.
In a recent message posted on Facebook, Prof. Dr. Teerawat Hemajutha, Head of the Emerging Disease Health Science Center at Chulalongkorn Hospital, highlighted the significance of maintaining a healthy brain as a crucial aspect of graceful aging. Dr. Teerawat’s message, titled “How to become a super old person,” sheds light on the correlation between brain health and aging.
Dr. Teerawat explained that while having a physically fit body is important, a robust brain is equally essential, especially as individuals grow older. According to him, people typically begin to age from 30 to 65, progress to being elderly from 65 to 80, and ultimately reach the category of “super old,” above 80 years of age.
The discussion on brain health gains significance as research reveals a strong link between dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and brain abnormalities detectable through nuclear medicine or PET scans. Educational data from various nationalities suggests that 16% of individuals over the age of 60 exhibit amyloid protein, which serves as an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Teerawat also highlighted the significance of blood tests for Tau protein, such as p-Tau 181 or 217, which can further help assess brain health.
Despite external appearances often remaining intact, brain abnormalities tend to increase with age, whether or not symptoms are noticeable. Dr. Teerawat hypothesizes that the phenomenon of resilience, where individuals appear healthy externally despite internal brain abnormalities, can be attributed to the coordinated efforts of nerve connections. By analyzing nerve fiber activity through diffusion tensor imaging, an electromagnetic computer scan, researchers can gain insights into the efficiency of nerve connections.
Remarkably, some individuals in the super elderly category, known as Superagers, exhibit highly active brains even in their 80s and above. In particular, these individuals demonstrate resilience in areas related to movement and memory. Dr. Teerawat referred to a recent study published in Lancet Healthy Longev., August 2023, which reported that Superagers displayed brain performance comparable to or better than individuals aged 50 to 56 years. The study also suggested that maintaining a bright and calm mind, even during challenging situations, and engaging in daily physical activities, without necessarily having a rigorous exercise routine, contribute to excellent mental health in later stages of life.
The research analyzed lifestyle behaviors, 89 variables, and blood biomarkers using a single-molecule assay for protein markers like amyloidosis, 181 NFL, and GFAP. Although both the superbrain group and the normal brain group showed similar blood results, the former exhibited less and slower atrophy in key areas of the brain, such as the medial temporal lobe responsible for memory and the motor thalamus related to movement.
The findings do not conclusively determine whether genetics play a significant role in possessing a superbrain. However, they strongly indicate that an active and healthy lifestyle, coupled with a positive mindset, plays a vital role in maintaining overall brain health and preventing degenerative conditions.
Lastly, Dr. Teerawat reiterated the importance of consuming a diet closer to vegetarianism, with reduced meat intake, as a foundational element for maintaining a sustainable and vibrant body and brain. By adhering to these lifestyle habits, individuals can age successfully, free from being a burden to society.
As the understanding of brain health progresses, these insights from Dr. Teerawat’s research provide valuable guidance for individuals seeking to optimize their mental and physical well-being as they age gracefully.]
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